Daycare Communication & Language Guide 2026: Speech Development
Complete guide to language development at daycare in 2026. How programs support speech and communication.
Language explodes during early childhood. Quality programs provide rich language environments.
Development by Age
| Age | Milestones | |-----|------------| | 12 months | First words | | 24 months | 200+ words, 2-word phrases | | 3 years | 1000+ words, sentences | | 4-5 years | Complex sentences, stories |
What Programs Do
| Practice | Impact | |----------|--------| | Talk, talk, talk | Language input | | Read daily | Vocabulary | | Ask questions | Extended response | | Narrate actions | Word learning |
When to Seek Help
| Age | Red Flags | |-----|-----------| | 12 months | No babbling | | 18 months | No words | | 24 months | No phrases | | 3 years | Hard to understand |
Resources
Last updated: December 2025